THE REAL ESSENCE OF CHRISTMAS
It’s time to show love, forgive, and share
As we mark another Christmas today, Christians are expected to spare time to contemplate on things eternal. In specific terms, this season is a reminder of that historical event which took place more than 2000 years ago, when Christ was born in the relatively humble town of Bethlehem of Judea. That birth, as well as the mission of salvation connected with it, was at once a promise of redemption from spiritual death, a declaration of an end to the reign of darkness, and a call to mankind to embrace the light of God. That is what makes this season special.
President Bola Tinubu in his goodwill message described Christmas as a season for reflection on the birth of Jesus Christ and his message of peace, love and hope. “With confidence in divine providence and our collective strength, we will continue the work of building a greater Nigeria, one that future generations will be proud of,” the president added.
However, beyond the decoration of streets and houses, exchange of gifts and singing of carols, this Christmas is a good time for those in authorities in the country to begin finding lasting solutions to the existential challenges that seem to overwhelm us. It is also important for men and women of goodwill to begin building bridges of tolerance and understanding across the troubled waters of religious and political differences. There is no better time than now to eschew hatred, rancour, greed, and avarice while building an ethic of human solidarity aimed at promoting the common good.
It is particularly noteworthy that the celebration of Christmas has acquired a special tone this year owing to the socio-economic challenges the nation is going through, and the impact on citizens. In our country today, the plight of the under-privileged is steadily worsening and many go to bed with less than a survival diet. The unemployment crisis has created a lost generation of graduates who cannot find jobs. Many of them are exasperated. Public officials at all levels should therefore pay serious attention to the challenge of those who cannot celebrate this season because they have no means to do so. The privileged of our society must consider the fact there are many for whom this season is just another reminder of their woes.
If Jesus Christ came to serve and not to be served, our leaders should learn to bring light to the dark land; hope to the hopeless; justice to the oppressed and integrity to the wasteland. And for the rest of us, Christmastime enjoins caring for our neighbours and underlines the importance of the family institution. It affords wives, husbands, and children the opportunity of reuniting and sharing warmth and love. This is therefore the time to share thoughtful wishes and meaningful messages while spreading happiness that strengthen bonds and remind loved ones of the true spirit of the season. And whether you are sending greetings to family, friends, colleagues, or sharing them on social media, the right words can make this festive moment even more special.
The spirit behind Christmas is that of giving and sharing. But Christmas comes true for us if we seek to follow the path of love, sacrifice and forgiveness exemplified by Jesus Christ. Therefore, the message of Christmas is simple: Times indeed may be tough, but our optimism must remain high that no matter the circumstances we face either as individuals or as a nation, all will be well. That is the promise that this season offers. May this season bring a new freshness, a new hope and a new strength today and through the coming year 2026.
Merry Christmas to all our readers!
